Many San Diego Beer News readers know Pizza Port for its constantly rotating array of award-winning beers, particularly its seemingly inexhaustible wellspring of West Coast IPAs. But for some, beer isn’t the main attraction. A significant percentage of the brewpub chain’s clientele is drawn to its myriad coastal locations by the lure of fresh-baked pies, salads and their shareable “Beer Buddies” (whole-grain beer crust with dipping sauces). To them, the Pizza Port experience doesn’t feel complete without the company’s culinary offerings.
Understanding this, Pizza Port’s ownership set out to add a food program at its San Marcos production facility’s kitchen-less tasting room. Their vehicle for doing so is an actual vehicle; a food truck that, as of this week, is now stationed in the driveway leading up to the business-park venue. It’s a step forward that took considerable time to set up, but management feels it was worth the work to bring the company’s full range of offerings to its San Marcos spot, which, until now, had been the only one operating without an on-site food component.
“We wanted the food truck to be a true extension of the full Pizza Port experience, using the same ingredients and oven as our brewpubs to ensure every bite matches the quality and consistency you’d find at any of our locations,” says Senior Marketing Manager Joe Arguello. “By featuring a selection of fan-favorite menu items, guests can enjoy our ‘tasty grub and grog’ without leaving the tasting room.”
Pizza Port’s food truck offers an abbreviated menu Monday through Wednesday, which includes slices of cheese and pepperoni pizza, Beer Buddies, cheesy Beer Buddies and Caesar salad. On Thursdays and Fridays, the bill of fare expands to include signature Pizza Port pies in small and large sizes:
- Laguna: Mozzarella, olives, onions, mushrooms and artichoke hearts
- Lahaina: Mozzarella, Canadian bacon, pineapple, bell pepper and onions
- Monterey: Mozzarella, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions and artichoke hearts
- Roma: Mozzarella, Canadian bacon, pepperoni, sausage, salami, onions, olives, bell peppers and mushrooms
- San Francisco: Mozzarella, Canadian bacon, pepperoni, salami, bell peppers and onions
- Vallarta: Mozzarella, Canadian bacon, olives, onions and jalapeños
The brewpubs’ popular “slice of the day” option extends to the food truck, and customers can also select the create-your-own pizza option. The food truck’s hours of operation mirror those of the San Marcos tasting room, which is open from 3 to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Pizza Port’s food truck will likely also make appearances at beer festivals and other public events, and can be reserved for private events, including weddings, birthday parties and company gatherings. Per Arguello, “If it’s a reason to celebrate, it’s a reason to bring the truck.” Parties interested in booking the truck may fill out a booking form online.
Pizza Port’s tasting room is located at 155 Mata Way in San Marcos